all suited up by Flickr user graymalkn
This anonymous interview is with an Academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This librarian works at an organization which has 0-10 staff members in a suburban area of the Midwestern US.
What Candidates Should Wear
Should the candidate wear a suit to the interview?
√ Probably, yes (but it’s ok if the candidate wears something a little less formal)
An outfit with a coordinated blazer and trousers:
√ Counts as a suit
Bare arms are inappropriate in an interview, even in the summer.
√ False
If a woman wears a skirt to an interview, should she also wear pantyhose?
√ Other: Not a factor either way.
Women should wear make-up to an interview:
√ I don’t care what’s on the face, it’s what’s in the brain that counts
Do you expect different levels of formality of dress, depending on the position you’re hiring for?
√ Yes, the higher the position, the more formal I expect the candidate to dress
Which jewelry may candidates wear: (Please select all that are acceptable)
√ Single, simple necklace, bracelet, and/or ring
√ A few simple necklaces, bracelets, and/or rings
√ Earrings
Which hair colors are acceptable for candidates:
√ Natural colors (black, brown, red, blonde, gray)
The way a candidate dresses should:
√ Be fairly neutral
How does what a candidate wears affect your hiring decision?
Only if it’s outrageous and reinforces other doubts about the candidate.
What This Library Wears
How do you dress when you are going to conduct an interview?
Semi-formal. Shirt, tie.
On a scale of one (too dressed up for my workplace) to five (too casual), khakis and a polo shirt are:
3
What’s the dress code at your library/organization?
√ Business casual
Are there any specific items of clothing, etc. that are forbidden by your dress code? Please check all that apply
√ N/A: We wear what we want!
This survey was co-authored by Jill of Librarian Hire Fashion – submit your interview outfit to her blog!
